purse strings

plural noun

: financial resources
also : control over these resources

Examples of purse strings in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The president holds the purse strings. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Falvo turned to Creeden’s argument that his job was to sign checks, not to control the purse strings. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 Uber and Walt Disney last week reported strong customer spending, defying fears that shoppers would tighten their purse strings in response to price increases. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 May 2026 In the past, Thrash conducted the auctions by herself, cajoling regular American attendees to open their purse strings. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for purse strings

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purse strings was circa 1530

Rhymes for purse strings

See All Rhymes for purse strings

Browse Nearby Words

purse-string
purse strings
pursevant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purse strings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purse%20strings. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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